Iron oxide nanoparticles doped with alkali metals or alkali earth metals capable of gigantic AC magnetic self-heating in biocompatible AC magnetic field and method of preparing the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are iron oxide nanoparticles prepared through high-temperature thermal decomposition of an Fe3+ precursor and an M+ or M2+ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca) precursor in an oxygen atmosphere. The iron oxide nanoparticles are nanoparticles, in which an alkali metal or alkali earth metal is doped into an Fe vacancy site of γ-Fe2O3, and generate explosive heat even in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field. Through both in vitro and in vivo tests, it was proven that cancer cells could be killed by performing low-frequency hyperthermia using the iron oxide nanoparticles set forth above.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from KR 10-2017-0092955, filed Jul. 21, 2017, the contents of which application are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to iron oxide nanoparticles capable of gigantic AC self-heating characteristics in a biocompatible AC magnetic field and application to hyperthermia treatment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hyperthermia is a cancer treatment modality using characteristics of cancer cells, which are more sensitive to heat than normal cells due to abnormal environments around the cancer cells. This treatment modality maintains the surrounding temperature around the cancer cells in a warm range (41° C. to 45° C.) compared to conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy, so that this treatment modality has medical advantages in that even extremely small cancer cells localized or deeply seated in living tissue can be selectively killed by heat without damage to normal cells.

Development of AC magnetic self-heating technique in in-vivo environments is required for realizing effective cancer treatment, and recently a great deal of research efforts have been paid to develop AC magnetic self-heating magnetic nanoparticles. In the cancer treatment of hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles, the cancer cells were killed by heat generated by magnetic nanoparticles in the AC magnetic field.

In addition, magnetic nanoparticles with superparamagnetism have no aggregation of particle when they are introduced into a living body. When an AC magnetic field is applied to the magnetic nanoparticles, it is possible to easily control heat generated by the applied AC magnetic field and magnetic nanoparticles can be introduced into a living body only by simple injection treatment without a surgery.

Although only bulk sized magnetic materials showed a self-heating effect, there are limitations for their practical application due to difficulty in continuously increasing the self-heating temperature and difficulty in introduction of the magnetic materials into a living body. However, recently, a collaborative research team of the National University of Singapore and the Yokohama National University of Japan has published a study on a new type of self-heating magnetic nanoparticles, and their heating effect in the cells is effective enough for practical application, thus it is possible to expect the realization of a new cancer treatment.

A paper entitled “Applications of NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles for a hyperthermia agent in biomedicine” in Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 89, 252503 (2006) discloses the effectiveness of NiFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles as an in vivo hyperthermia agent.

In addition, US Patent Publication No. 2005-0090732 discloses target-oriented hyperthermia treatment using iron oxide. However, most conventional hyperthermia treatment relate to iron oxide nanoparticles showing a heat emission effect at high frequencies and high magnetic field (or high AC magnetic field).

However, in the cancer treatment of high-frequency hyperthermia, red spots may appear around the skin, and area with high fat, some burns, wounds, inflammations, and cell necrosis may occur. Above all, side effects due to harmfulness of high-frequency electric fields to humans are unavoidable. Therefore, this treatment is prohibited for pregnant women, patients with severe inflammation, patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers, and patients with severe pleural effusion and ascites.

In addition, since heat needs to be irradiated to cancer tissues for a long, human bodies are exposed to high-frequency electromagnetic waves for a long time, and thus, there is a problem in that normal tissues can also be damaged.

To solve the aforementioned problems, it is required to develop the magnetic nanoparticles capable of self-heating in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field (or a safe AC magnetic field).

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide iron oxide nanoparticles capable of sufficient self-heating even in a biocompatible low (or safe) AC magnetic field.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, iron oxide nanoparticles are nanoparticles in which γ-Fe₂O₃ (maghemite) is doped with an alkali metal ion or alkali earth metal ion, specifically nanoparticles in which an Fe vacancy site of γ-Fe₂O₃ is doped with an alkali metal ion or alkali earth metal ion.

The alkali metal ion may include lithium (Li), sodium (Na) and potassium (K), and the alkali earth metal ion may include magnesium (Mg) or calcium (Ca).

The doping metal ion may include at least one alkali metal ion or alkali earth metal ion, preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺.

The iron oxide nanoparticles may generate a gigantic heat even in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field of f_(appl)·H_(appl) of 3.0×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ or less, and may have an intrinsic loss power (ILP) of 13.5 nHm²/Kg to 14.5 nHm²/Kg in an AC magnetic field of f_(appl)·H_(appl)<1.8×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ (f_(appl)<120 kHz, H_(appl)<15.12 kA/m).

The iron oxide nanoparticles may be represented by M_(x)-γFe₂O₃ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca), and x may satisfy 0.00<x≤0.30, preferably 0.10≤x≤0.25, more preferably 0.10≤x≤0.20.

The iron oxide nanoparticles may have an average particle diameter of about 7 nm to about 13 nm, without being limited thereto.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of preparing iron oxide nanoparticles is applied to preparation of nanoparticles capable of being heated even in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field, and includes preparing iron oxide nanoparticles by mixing an Fe³⁺ precursor, an M⁺ or M²⁺ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca) precursor, a surfactant, and a solvent in an oxygen atmosphere caused by high temperature thermal decomposition (HTTD).

The Fe³⁺ precursor and the M⁺ or M²⁺ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca) precursor may include at least one selected from among metal nitrate, metal sulfate, metal acetylacetonate, metal fluoroacetoacetate, metal halide, metal perchlorate, metal alkyl oxide, metal sulfamate, metal stearate, and organic metal compounds, without being limited thereto. For example, for Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles, magnesium (Mg) acetate tetrahydrate and iron (Fe) acetylacetonate was used.

The solvent may include benzene solvents, hydrocarbon solvents, ether solvents, polymer solvents, ionic liquid solvents, halogen hydrocarbons, alcohols, sulfoxide solvents, water, and the like, preferably at least one of benzene, toluene, halobenzene, octane, nonane, decane, benzyl ether, phenyl ether, hydrocarbon ethers, polymer solvents, diethylene glycol (DEG), water, and ionic liquid solvents, without being limited thereto. For example, for Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles, benzyl ether was used.

In the method according to the present invention, the surfactant may be used to stabilize nanoparticles and may include at least one of organic acids (C_(n)COOH, C_(n): hydrocarbon, 7≤n≤30) including oleic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, myristic acid, and hexadecanoic acid, without being limited thereto. For example, for Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles, oleic acid was used.

According to the present invention, the method of preparing iron oxide nanoparticles includes: (a) heating a mixed solution of an Fe³⁺ precursor, an M⁺ or M²⁺ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca) precursor, a surfactant, and a solvent to a temperature less than a boiling point of the solvent in a mixed atmosphere of oxygen and argon, followed by maintaining the mixed solution at the temperature for a certain period of time; (b) heating the mixed solution again to the boiling point of the solvent in a mixed atmosphere of oxygen and argon, followed by maintaining the mixed solution at the boiling point for a certain period of time; (c) removing a heating source and cooling the mixed solution to room temperature; and (d) performing precipitation and separation of nanoparticle powder by adding a polar solvent to the mixed solution and then performing centrifugation.

In the method of preparing iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention, a doping level can be adjusted by adjusting an amount of the Fe³⁺ precursor or the M⁺ or M²⁺ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca) precursor.

According to the present invention, the iron oxide nanoparticles can perform sufficient self-heating even in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field. Therefore, the iron oxide nanoparticles can be used for hyperthermia cancer treatment in a low AC magnetic field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method of preparing M_(x)-γFe₂O₃ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca) nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles prepared according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 are diagrams illustrating atomic structure models describing the spin configuration of γ-Fe₂O₃ (maghemite) and Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) magnetic nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 are diagrams illustrating crystal structure of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ (maghemite) magnetic nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention. An enlarged image indicates that face-centered cubic lattices of oxygen (white sphere). The Fe³⁺ (blue sphere) spins at T_(d) sites aligns in antiparallel with Fe³⁺ spins at O_(h) sites under external magnetic field. The Mg²⁺ (red sphere) ions predominantly occupy the Fe vacancy sites existing in the O_(h) sites of γ-Fe₂O₃.

FIG. 5 is a graph depicting AC magnetically-induced heating characteristics of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃, MgFe₂O₄, and Fe₃O₄ measured at a f_(appl)=110 KHz and H_(appl)=±140 Oe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of MFe₂O₄ (M=Mn, Co, Ni, Fe) nanoparticles prepared by a conventional method and a graph depicting AC magnetically-induced heating characteristics thereof in a low AC magnetic field.

FIG. 7 shows graphs depicting X-ray absorption spectroscopy (left: X-ray absorption near edge structure, right: extended X-ray absorption fine structure) measurement results of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃, MgFe₂O₄, and bulk Fe₃O₄.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing composition determination of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).

FIG. 9 shows DC minor hysteresis loops measured at a sweeping field of H_(appl)=±140 Oe (=11.14 KAm⁻¹) of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃, MgFe₂O₄, and Fe₃O₄, and FIG. 10 is a graph depicting a temperature dependent magnetization of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles measured at an excitation magnetic field of 100 Oe.

FIG. 11 shows AC hysteresis loops measured at a f_(appl)=110 KHz and H_(appl)=±140 Oe of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃, MgFe₂O₄, and Fe₃O₄.

FIG. 12 shows graphs depicting the dependence of M_(s), P_(total), P_(relaxation loss), and χ″ on the Mg²⁺ cation doping concentration (level) (x) of Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows graphs depicting the dependence of anisotropy energy and calculated Neel relaxation time on Mg²⁺ cation doping concentration (x) in Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows characteristics of AC magnetically-induced heating temperature rise of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanofluids dispersed in toluene, ethanol, and D.I water measured at a f_(appl)=110 KHz and H_(appl)=±140 Oe with a concentration of 3 mg/mL according to an embodiment of the present invention are moved to an aqueous solution layer.

FIG. 15 is a graph for comparison of ILP values between previously reported superparamagnetic nanoparticles and Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ superparamagnetic nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention and existing representative materials known in the art.

FIG. 16 shows graphs depicting characteristics of AC magnetically-induced heating temperature rise of Li_(0.15)-γFe₂O₃, Na_(0.20)-γFe₂O₃, K_(0.18)-γFe₂O₃, and Ca_(0.18)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention with Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺, respectively, in a low AC magnetic field.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show results obtained by an in-vitro hyperthermia test using Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ magnetic nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows results obtained by an in-vivo hyperthermia test using Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ magnetic nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows graphs depicting results obtained by a toxicity test of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ magnetic nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention on U87MG cells and Hep3B cells.

FIG. 22 shows graphs depicting cell survival rate of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles and reported superparamagnetic nanoparticles determined using U87MG cell lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and may be embodied in different ways, and that the embodiments are provided for complete disclosure and thorough understanding of the invention by those skilled in the art.

According to the present invention, iron oxide nanoparticles are prepared by doping an Fe vacancy site of γ-Fe₂O₃ with an alkali metal ion or alkali earth metal ion, and generate gigantic heat even in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field. In hyperthermia, a biocompatible AC magnetic field generally has f_(appl)·H_(appl) of 5.0×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ or less, preferably 3.0×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ or less. The iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention can generate gigantic heat even in such a biocompatible low AC magnetic field.

As used herein, the expression “doped with . . . metal ion” means that a metal atom is doped and ion-bonded to surrounding atoms, and thus all of expressions “doped with . . . metal ion”, “doped with . . . metal atom”, and “doped with . . . metal” should be interpreted as having the same meaning.

The iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention generate heat in AC magnetic fields, and are preferably used in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field.

Hereinafter, as an example of the iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention, Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ will be described.

Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ is prepared by high-temperature thermal decomposition of an Fe³⁺ precursor and an Mg²⁺ precursor in an oxygen atmosphere, has a crystal structure in which an Fe vacancy site of γ-Fe₂O₃ is doped with Mg²⁺, and generates gigantic heat even in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field.

A process of preparing Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ (x=0.13) will be described in more detail (see FIG. 1).

To prepare Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃, 0.13 mmol of magnesium (Mg) acetate tetrahydrate, 2.0 mmol of iron (Fe) acetylacetonate, 1.2 mmol of oleic acid, and 20 mL of benzyl ether are mixed in a 50 mL round bottom flask and are magnetically stirred. The mixed solution is heated to 200° C. for 30 minutes (˜8° C./min, first ramping up rate) in a mixed atmosphere of oxygen and argon (flow rate of ˜100 mL/min) and is then maintained for 50 minutes (nucleation step). Next, the mixed solution is heated again to 296° C. (boiling point of benzyl ether) for 20 minutes (5° C./min, second ramping rate) and is then maintained for 60 minutes (growth step).

Next, a heating source is removed and the mixed solution is cooled to room temperature.

A polar solvent such as ethanol is added to the mixed solution, followed by centrifugation, thereby precipitating and separating black powder. Separated products (nanoparticles) are dispersed in a nonpolar solvent such as toluene.

To control the Mg²⁺ doping concentration (x) of Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃, the different amount of Mg²⁺/Fe³⁺ metal precursor are used under identical experimental conditions. For example, to synthesize the Mg_(0.10)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles, 0.10 mmol of Mg acetate tetrahydrate and 2.0 mmol of Fe acetylacetonate are used under the identical experimental conditions.

FIG. 2 shows transmission electron microscope images of 7 nm Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles prepared through the above processes. Referring to the right-side image, it can be seen that a crystal growth orientation (400) is observed and the corresponding lattice distance is 2.09 Å, and that a crystal growth orientation (200) is observed and the corresponding lattice distance is 2.95 Å. These values are the same as those of a reference bulk material of γ-Fe₂O₃. Therefore, it can be proven that the crystal structure of nanoparticles prepared through the above processes has a typical spinel structure of γ-Fe₂O₃.

In a conventionally synthesized nanoparticles, MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles (Mg²⁺ doped Fe₃O₄ structure) are prepared.

To prepare MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, 1.0 mmol of MgCl₂ and 2.0 mmol of Fe(acac)₃ are placed in a 100 mL round bottom flask containing dibenzyl ether and a surfactant (oleic acid and oleylamine). 10.0 mmol of 1,2-hexadecandiol is used as a reductant.

The mixed solution is heated to 200° C. for 25 minutes in an argon atmosphere and maintained for 60 minutes (nucleation step).

Next, the mixed solution is heated again to 296° C. (boiling point of benzyl ether) for 30 minutes and maintained for 60 minutes. A heat source is removed and a reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature.

Ethanol is added to the reaction product, followed by centrifugation, thereby obtaining precipitated black powder. The obtained MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are dispersed in a nonpolar solvent such as toluene.

Upon preparation of existing nanoparticles, two chemical reagents, that is, oleic acid and oleylamine are used as size control factors, and oleylamine can be used as reducing agent. The crystal structure may be change γ-Fe₂O₃ into Fe₃O₄ during synthesis process thereof.

Oleylamine is mainly used in preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles. In order to investigate the role of surfactant, a control experiments were carried out with oleylamine instead of oleic acid. The nanoparticles synthesized with oleylamine showed a similar AC self-heating behavior to MFe₂O₄ (M=Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mg²⁺) nanoparticles due to the reduction of Fe³⁺ into Fe²⁺ that leads to the Fe₃O₄ lattice in the presence of oleylamine. This result confirms that Mg²⁺ ion doped Fe₃O₄ lattice has no contribution to the AC heating properties.

Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃, which corresponds to the iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention, is obtained by doping Fe vacancy sites of γ-Fe₂O₃ with Mg²⁺.

Unlike Fe₃O₄, γ-Fe₂O₃ has spaces (vacancy sites), which occupy about 12% of the total volume thereof (see FIG. 3). Since Fe₃O₄ is gradually changed into γ-Fe₂O₃ upon preparation in an oxygen atmosphere, Fe²⁺ ions present in Fe₃O₄ are oxidized to Fe³⁺ ions, diffused out, and vacancy sites was formed in γ-Fe₂O₃. Since oxidation is required to prepare the iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention, preparation may be performed in an oxygen atmosphere, or an oxidant may be used. Actual preparation is preferably performed in a mixed atmosphere of oxygen and argon for stability of reaction.

When such vacancy sites of γ-Fe₂O₃ is doped with an alkali metal or alkali earth metal, the doped γ-Fe₂O₃ demonstrate change in DC/AC magnetic softness and magnetic properties, specifically magnetic susceptibility, and thus responds to a low AC magnetic field, thereby generating heat (see FIG. 4).

On the other hand, unlike the above case, in the case of a transition metal (Zn, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, and the like), since it is energetically favorable in terms of thermodynamics that the transition metal is predominantly substituted with Fe³⁺ ions at an octahedral site (O_(h)) and a tetrahedral site (T_(h)), not in vacancy site, doped γ-Fe₂O₃ exhibits reduced net magnetic properties and respond negligibly to a low AC magnetic field (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

The iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention are nanoparticles in which Fe vacancy sites of γ-Fe₂O₃ are doped with an alkali metal or alkali earth metal. According to the present invention, a doping metal includes any alkali metal or alkali earth metal without limitation. Preferably, the alkali metal is lithium (Li), sodium (Na), or potassium (K), and the alkali earth metal is magnesium (Mg) or calcium (Ca).

In addition, the iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention are doped with at least one alkali metal or alkali earth metal, preferably at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺.

The iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention may emit gigantic heat even in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field of f_(appl)·H_(appl) of 3.0×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ or less, and have an intrinsic loss power (ILP) of 13.5 nHm²/Kg to 14.5 nHm²/Kg in an AC magnetic field of f_(appl)·H_(appl)<1.8×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ (f_(appl)<120 KHz, H_(appl)<15.12 KA/m).

Further, the iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention may be represented by M_(x)-γFe₂O₃ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca), and x may vary with a doping concentration of a metal. x satisfies 0.00<x≤0.30, preferably 0.10≤x≤0.25, more preferably 0.10≤x≤0.20.

The iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention have an average particle diameter of about 7 nm to about 13 nm, without being limited thereto, and may have various nanometer scale sizes.

FIG. 5 is a graph depicting AC magnetically-induced heating characteristics of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃, MgFe₂O₄, and Fe₃O₄ measured at a low AC magnetic field (f_(appl)=110 kHz, H_(appl)=±140 Oe) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibits an exceptionally high T_(ac,max) of 180° C. While, conventionally prepared MgFe₂O₄ (Mg²⁺ ion doped Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles exhibits a low T_(ac,max) of 22° C. under same AC magnetic field. According to an conventional method have almost no effect of heat emission at a low AC magnetic field.

FIG. 6 shows a graph depicting transmission electron microscopy images and AC magnetically-induced heating characteristics of MFe₂O₄ (M=Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Ni²⁺) nanoparticles, which are prepared by a conventional method under the same AC magnetic conditions (f_(appl)=110 kHz, H_(appl)=±140 Oe). It can be seen that conventionally synthesized nanoparticles (CoFe₂O₄, Fe₃O₄, MnFe₂O₄, and NiFe₂O₄) have almost no effect of heat emission. CoFe₂O₄, Fe₃O₄, MnFe₂O₄, and NiFe₂O₄ have a structure in which Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Ni²⁺ ions are doped into Fe₃O₄ instead of γ-Fe₂O₃, respectively.

FIG. 7 shows X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurement results of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles. For comparison, conventional MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and bulk Fe₃O₄ was prepared. The Fe K-edge XANES spectra (left-side graph in FIG. 7) showed that Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃, and MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles have average iron oxidation states of +3, and +2.75, respectively. Comparing to bulk Fe₃O₄, MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles have a typical local Fe coordination of Fe₃O₄ while, according to the EXAFS analyzed results (right-side graph in FIG. 7), it was confirmed that Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles has a typical γ-Fe₂O₃ (maghemite). In contrast, conventionally synthesized MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are obtained by doping Mg²⁺ into a magnetite (Fe₃O₄) structure, and that the Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles according to the present invention are obtained by doping Mg²⁺ into a maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) structure.

FIG. 8 shows composition determination results of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles using an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and it can be seen that Mg²⁺ ions is well presented in γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles.

FIG. 9 shows DC minor hysteresis loops and FIG. 10 shows the temperature dependent magnetization of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, it can be proven that Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ according to the present invention exhibits superparamagnetism.

FIG. 11 shows the area of AC hysteresis loops measured at a f_(appl)=110 KHz and H_(appl)=±140 Oe of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃, MgFe₂O₄, and Fe₃O₄. Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles had the much larger area than those of MgFe₂O₄ and Fe₃O₄. The larger AC hysteresis loss area of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ indicates that it has a higher AC magnetic softness (or faster AC magnetic response). Thus, it can be proven that the Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles according to the present invention exhibit gigantic (or exceptionally high) heat emission.

FIG. 12 shows graphs depicting the dependence of M_(s), P_(total), P_(relaxation loss), and χ″_(m) on the Mg²⁺ cation doping concentration (x) of Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The χ″_(m) (and P_(relaxation-loss)) was dramatically increased from 2.51×10⁻³ emu·g⁻¹Oe⁻¹ (6.84×10⁶ W/m³) to 7.574×10⁻³ emu·g⁻¹Oe⁻¹ (3.42×10⁶ W/m⁷) by increasing the doping concentration of Mg²⁺ ion up to 0.13 and P_(total) was correspondingly increased from 7.82×10⁶ W/m³ to 4×10⁷ W/m³. However, the further increase the doping concentration of Mg²⁺ ion up to 0.15 led to severe reduction of χ″_(m) (P_(Néel-relaxation-loss)), M_(s), and P_(total). The increase of Mg²⁺ ion doping concentration from 0 to 0.13 during the synthesis leads to the acceleration of occupation of Fe vacancy sites by Mg²⁺ ions in γ-Fe₂O₃ lattice so that results in the increase of Mg²⁺ doping concentration that would be mainly responsible for the significant enhancement of M_(s) (χ″_(m)). On the contrary, the sudden decrease of χ″_(m), P_(total), and M_(s) at x=0.15 can be supposed to be due to the reduction of Mg²⁺ doping concentration in Fe vacancy sites in γ-Fe₂O₃ resulted from the substitution of Fe³⁺ in the O_(h) site by Mg²⁺ cations. Referring to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles emit a large amount of heat when x satisfies 0.05≤x≤0.15. The Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles theoretically emit the largest amount of heat in the case of x=0.13, and it can be seen that this coincides with the experimental results.

FIG. 13 shows graphs depicting the dependence of anisotropy energy and calculated Neel relaxation time on Mg²⁺ cation doping concentration (x) in Mg_(x)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The physical reason for the obvious increase of χ″_(m) (P_(Néel-relaxation-loss)) depending on the Mg²⁺ cation doping concentration is thought to be primarily due to the enhanced τ_(N) (faster τ_(N)) that is resulted from the change of AC magnetic softness or magnetic anisotropy caused by the modification of Mg²⁺ doping concentration in Fe vacancy sites of γ-Fe₂O₃.

FIG. 14 shows characteristics of AC magnetically-induced heating temperature rise of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanofluids dispersed in toluene, ethanol, and D.I water measured at a f_(appl)=110 KHz and H_(appl)=±140 Oe with a concentration of 3 mg/mL Referring to FIG. 14, it can be confirmed that the Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention have an intrinsic loss power (ILP) value of about 13.9 nHm² kg⁻¹ (in toluene), a 14.5 nHm² kg⁻¹ (in ethanol), and a 14.0 nHm² kg⁻¹ (in water), respectively.

FIG. 15 is a graph for comparison of ILP values between iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention and previously reported superparamagnetic nanoparticles known in the art. Referring to FIG. 15, it can be confirmed that the iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention have an ILP value that is about 100 times higher than that of commercial Fe₃O₄ (Feridex) nanoparticles.

FIG. 16 shows graphs depicting characteristics of AC magnetically-induced heating temperature rise of Li_(0.15)-γFe₂O₃, Na_(0.20)-γFe₂O₃, K_(0.18)-γFe₂O₃, and Ca_(0.18)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles, respectively, in a low AC magnetic field (f_(appl)=110 kHz, H_(appl)=±140 Oe). It can be confirmed that all the nanoparticles (Li_(0.15)-γFe₂O₃, Na_(0.20)-γFe₂O₃, K_(0.18)-γFe₂O₃, and Ca_(0.18)-γFe₂O₃) exhibited an exceptionally high T_(AC,max) above 100° C. Therefore, it can be seen that all of the M_(x)-γFe₂O₃ (M=Li, Mg, K, Na, and Ca) nanoparticles according to the present invention, which are obtained by doping γ-Fe₂O₃ with Mg or by doping γFe₂O₃ with a different alkali metal or alkali earth metal from Mg, exhibit high AC self-heating in a low AC magnetic field.

FIG. 17 show results obtained by an in-vitro hyperthermia test using U87MG cells after treating Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ magnetic nanoparticles and Resovist.

The U87MG cells were incubated with 700 μg/mL of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanofluids and Resovist, as a control group, for cellular uptake. The cells were placed in the center of an AC magnetic coil, and a magnetic field of f_(appl)=99 kHz and H_(appl)=±155 Oe (H_(appl)·f_(appl)=1.22×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹) was applied to the cells for 1500 seconds. Referring to the right-side graph of FIG. 17, it can be confirmed that the cells treated with Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanofluids showed the much higher T_(AC,max) (63.5° C.) than Resovist (37.5° C.).

Referring to FIG. 18 showing the optical microscope images of U87MG cells before and after magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia with Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanofluids, it can be confirmed that the cell necrosis of U87MG resulted from severe deformation and shrinkage of the cell morphology caused by the applied thermal energy was clearly observed after magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia, all cancer cells were killed by heat. In more detail, it was confirmed that 75% of the cancer cells were killed at 48° C. and all of the cancer cells were completely necrotized at 63.5° C. Thus, bioavailability of the nanoparticles according to the present invention was proven.

On the other hand, FIG. 19 is an image showing the optical microscope image of U87MG cells after magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia with Resovist (control group), and cells suffering from deformation or shrinkage were not observed. Thus, it can be seen that cell viability was strongly dependent on AC heating temperature.

FIG. 20 shows results obtained by an in-vivo hyperthermia test using Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ magnetic nanoparticles.

Hep3B cells transfected with luciferase (for bioluminescence imaging, BLI) grew subcutaneously in mice (cancer-xenograft model)

A 100 μL of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanofluids (100 μL, 11.5 μg/μL) was intratumorally injected into cancer cells of the mice (˜1000 mm³) through soft tissue using a bent needle and optical thermometers were mounted in the cancer cells and rectum area to monitor the temperature.

For comparison, Resovist (100 μL, 11.5 μg/μL) and normal saline (100 μL, 11.5 μg/μL) were also intratumorally injected into the mice, respectively.

The mice were placed in the center of an AC magnetic coil and exposed to an AC magnetic field (f_(appl)=99 kHz, H_(appl)=±155 Oe, H_(appl)·f_(appl)=1.22×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹) for 900 seconds.

The temperature of the rectum and Hep3B injected with Resovist were slightly increased from 34° C. to 36.37° C. and 37.14° C., respectively. However, the temperature of the Hep3B cells injected with the Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanofluids was rapidly increased up to 50.2° C. (thermoablation temperature).

The activity of the Hep3B was analyzed by employing a bioluminescence imaging (BLI) technique. The Hep3B treated with Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanofluids did not exhibit any BL-intensity from day 2 after magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia, while the control groups still exhibited strong BL-intensity after magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia. No BL-intensity means that the cancer cells was completely necrotized by magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia.

FIG. 21 shows graphs depicting results obtained by a toxicity test of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ magnetic nanoparticles according to the present invention on U87MG cells and Hep3B cells. From the this result, it was confirmed that Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles showed a high biocompatibility (non-toxicity) even at a higher concentration (300 μg/mL).

FIG. 22 shows graphs depicting cell survival rate of Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles and reported superparamagnetic nanoparticles determined using U87MG cell lines. Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles had a higher biocompatibility (non-toxicity) with U87Mg cell lines compared to all other reported superparamagnetic nanoparticles even at a higher concentration (300 μg/mL). The reported nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄, CoFe₂O₄, CoFe₂O₄@MnFe₂O₄) have a Fe₃O₄ crystal structure. In the case of Fe₃O₄, the Fenton reaction is likely to occur and produce a toxic effect to the cells during cellular internalization due to the Fe²⁺ ions in Fe₃O₄ lattice. However, Mg_(0.13)-γFe₂O₃ nanoparticles, which is fully oxidized forms from Fe₃O₄, has only Fe³⁺ ions in γ-Fe₂O₃ lattice crystal. Hence the possibility to occur Fenton reaction is readily expected to be an extremely low during cellular internalization.

As described above, it was proven through both of the in-vitro and in-vivo tests that cancer cells could be completely killed using magnetic nanoparticles according to the present invention. Therefore, the iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention can be clinically used.

Heretofore, the present invention has been described with reference to some embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although specific terms are used herein, it should be understood that the terms are only for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that various modifications, changes, alterations, and equivalent embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be defined only by the accompanying claims and equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Iron oxide nanoparticles in which γ-Fe₂O₃ is doped with an alkali metal or alkali earth metal, wherein: an Fe vacancy site of γ-Fe₂O₃ is doped with the alkali metal or alkali earth metal; the iron oxide nanoparticles generate heat in a biocompatible AC magnetic field of f_(appl).H_(appl) of 3.0×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ or less; the iron oxide nanoparticles are represented by M_(x)-γFe_(2-x)O₃, where M is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca, and x satisfies 0.05≤x≤0.15; and the iron oxide nanoparticles are superparamagnetic.
 2. The iron oxide nanoparticles according to claim 1, wherein M is an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K).
 3. The iron oxide nanoparticles according to claim 1, wherein M is an alkali earth metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca).
 4. The iron oxide nanoparticles according to claim 1, wherein the iron oxide nanoparticles generate heat in a biocompatible AC magnetic field of f_(appl).H_(appl) of 1.8×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ (f_(appl)<120 kHz, H_(appl)<15.12 kA/m) or less.
 5. The iron oxide nanoparticles according to claim 1, wherein the iron oxide nanoparticles have an intrinsic loss power (ILP) of 13.5 nHm²/Kg to 14.5 nHm²/Kg in an AC magnetic field of f_(appl).H_(appl) of 1.8×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ (f_(appl)<120 kHz, H_(appl)<15.12 kA/m) or less.
 6. The iron oxide nanoparticles according to claim 1, which generate heat sufficient to reach a temperature of at least 50° C. when placed in the biocompatible AC magnetic field.
 7. A method of preparing iron oxide nanoparticles capable of heating in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field, the method comprising: preparing iron oxide nanoparticles in which alkali metal or alkali earth metal is doped with γ-Fe₂O₃ by mixing an Fe³⁺ precursor, an M⁺ or M²⁺ precursor where M is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca, a surfactant, and a solvent in an oxygen atmosphere to form a mixture, and thermally decomposing the mixture at high temperature, wherein: an Fe vacancy site of γ-Fe₂O₃ is doped with the alkali metal or alkali earth metal; the iron oxide nanoparticles generate heat in a biocompatible AC magnetic field of fa_(ppl).H_(appl) of 3.0×10⁹ Am⁻¹s⁻¹ or less; and the iron oxide nanoparticles are represented by M_(x-y)Fe_(2-x)O₃, where M is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca, and x satisfies 0.05<x<0.15, wherein the iron oxide nanoparticles are superparamagnetic.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the Fe³⁺ precursor and the M⁺ or M²⁺ precursor comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of metal nitrate, metal sulfate, metal acetylacetonate, metal fluoroacetoacetate, metal halide, metal perchlorate, metal alkyl oxide, metal sulfamate, metal stearate, and organic metal compounds.
 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the surfactant comprises at least one of organic acids with the chemical formula C_(n)COOH wherein 7<n<30.
 10. The method according to claim 7, comprising: (a) heating a mixed solution of an Fe³⁺ precursor, an M⁺ or M²⁺ precursor where M is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca, a surfactant, and a solvent to a temperature less than a boiling point of the solvent in a mixed atmosphere of oxygen and argon, followed by maintaining the mixed solution at the temperature for a certain period of time; (b) heating the mixed solution again to the boiling point of the solvent in a mixed atmosphere of oxygen and argon, followed by maintaining the mixed solution at the boiling point for a certain period of time; (c) removing a heat source and cooling the mixed solution to room temperature; and (d) performing precipitation and separation of nanoparticle powder by adding a polar solvent to the mixed solution and then performing centrifugation.
 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein a doping level is adjusted by adjusting an amount of the Fe³⁺ precursor or the M⁺ or M²⁺ precursor.
 12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the iron oxide nanoparticles generate heat sufficient to reach a temperature of at least 50° C. when placed in the biocompatible AC magnetic field.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one organic acid is selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, myristic acid, and hexadecanoic acid. 